Zero Hour vs Ready or Not: Which is a better tactical FPS?

Zero Hour and Ready or Not are tactical FPS games that compete with each other. Zero Hour entered Early Access on Steam in 2020, and after four years of development and community support, it was officially launched in September 2024. Ready or Not, officially released in December 2023, has also received significant acclaim from the gaming community for its SWAT-style gameplay, emphasizing realism.

When comparing the two, Ready or Not stands out regarding gameplay, graphics, AI behavior, difficulty, realism, and mission variety. However, the one feature it lacks is a PvP mode, which Zero Hour offers, providing a slower-paced yet engaging multiplayer experience.

In this breakdown, we will explore why Ready or Not is a better tactical FPS compared to Zero Hour.

Note: Note: Some aspects of this article are subjective and solely reflect the writer's opinions.

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Why does Ready or Not currently surpass Zero Hour as a better tactical FPS game?

Both games deliver solid, realism-focused gameplay. However, when comparing minor details, Ready or Not has a slight edge over Zero Hour as a better tactical FPS game.

Zero Hour is largely confined to indoor environments, with an emphasis on close-quarter combat. In contrast, Ready or Not offers a wider range of settings, keeping the gameplay fresh for longer.

Zero Hour gameplay (Image via Attrito, M7 Productions)

Additionally, Ready or Not allows you to interact more with the environment - bullets can penetrate materials, providing a tactical advantage.

When comparing AI behaviors, Ready or Not features a more complex system where enemies adapt based on their surroundings and past actions, making encounters unpredictable and challenging in a good way. On the other hand, Zero Hour's AI becomes more predictable over time, with enemies often taking up similar positions.

Ready or Not gameplay (Image via VOID Interactive)

In terms of graphics, Ready or Not does have a slight advantage, but Zero Hour still holds its ground. The key differentiator is the atmospheric variety in Ready or Not, which appeals more to players compared to the repetitive indoor settings of Zero Hour.

Ready or Not offers four game modes: Commander mode (the primary single-player mode), Quick Play, Ironman (the most challenging, with progress wiped upon death), and Training, which teaches the game's mechanics. Zero Hour provides modes like Bomb Defusal, Hostage Rescue, and classic Deathmatch. While both games have strong offerings in terms of modes, Ready or Not offers greater variety and more missions to explore.

Both titles allow players to customize their weapons to fit their playstyle. However, only Zero Hour offers a PvP mode, which has garnered positive feedback from the community.

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Conclusion

Both Ready or Not and Zero Hour are great games with their own merits. While the former stands out as the superior title overall, the latter attracts players who prefer a PvP experience. Ultimately, Ready or Not remains the better tactical FPS choice for those who prioritize other aspects of gameplay.